Q: Car not starting due to alternator problem

asked by on February 21, 2016

My car is not starting. I think it might be a problem with the alternator.

Car is not starting Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

If the battery tests well, then it’s not likely that the alternator is what’s preventing your car from starting; there could be other factors at play here. I suggest having a certified mobile mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, come out to the location of your Volvo to for a diagnostic inspection of your car’s no start issue, and recommend the best path to repair.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Problems with the electrical system
The solder joints of the microprocessors on S70 instrument clusters are prone to becoming cracked and loose at the circuit board. Sometimes these boards can be repaired by an electronics technician who is familiar with Volvo instrument clusters and has...
Tires worn out
It sounds like you need an alignment. A four-wheel alignment can be performed on your vehicle, with adjustments being made to front camber, front caster, front toe and rear toe. It is also possible that there are worn steering/suspension components...
Where is the thermostat located on a 2001 dodge durango
It is in the lower hose. It is mounted in a plastic housing with two bolts where the lower hose meets the engine. If you are considering replacement, I would replace the housing too. They tend to warp and leak....
Skipping, light rough idle, & smoking
Hi and thanks for contacting YourMechanic. Depending on what color the smoke is will determine what is happening with the engine (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/engine-is-shaking-pulsating-or-vibrating-inspection). If there is heavy black smoke, then there is too much fuel in the cylinders and the fuel...
Starting Issues - 2007 Nissan Frontier
Hey there. If you have confirmed that you have spark, then this by default should be related to a fuel supply problem. Since you have replaced the fuel pump, you may want to also check the fuel pressure to be...
My car backfires at 50 mph.
Hi there. There is a timing problem with your engine. Check the vacuum advance to see if its advancing when the engine is at a higher rpm. Also check the spark plugs (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/spark-plugs-replacement) and wires (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/ignition-cable-spark-plug-wires-replacement) for if they are...
Wrench symbol
The wrench symbol is your check engine light. Generally, the check engine light (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/check-engine-light-is-on-inspection) comes on when something fairly serious is going on with the vehicle. This can happen for many different reasons such as a faulty mass air flow...
if my truck stalls as soon as i put it in gear is it the Torque converter?
Hi Julian. Thanks for contacting us today. It very well could be that your issue is caused by a worn out torque converter. However, it's also possible that you have a faulty fuel system component or damaged ignition system part...
Oil leaking
Oil can leak from the valve cover gaskets, the oil pressure sending unit, the front and rear crankshaft seals, camshaft seals and through any o-ring that seals sensors to the block or head. It is possible to have multiple leak...

Related articles

How Can Problems with the Ignition System Cause Misfiring?
Misfires Misfires are never good, and they're always a sign that there’s a problem with the engine that needs to be repaired. The problem won’t “go away on its own” and waiting too long can cause the situation to grow...
How the Alternator Works in Your Car
Your Your car alternator, at its most basic, is what works along with your battery and the rest of your charging system to keep your car running. When you start your car, you’re running on battery power. Then the battery...
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Starter
Common signs include the engine not turning over, starter engaging but not spinning the motor, and grinding noises or smoke when starting the motor.